WISCONSIN RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 25, 2025

Wisconsin's major dams and reservoirs are currently experiencing variations in storage levels as per the latest observations. Lake Winnebago, the state's largest lake, has shown a decrease in gage height at both Oshkosh and Stockbridge locations, with current levels at 2 feet, below the average of 2.61 and 2.57 feet respectively. Similarly, Lac Vieux Desert near Land O'Lakes, Devils Lake near Baraboo, Lake Mendota and Monona at Madison, as well as Lake Waubesa at Mc Farland, are all reporting lower than average gage heights. These measurements suggest a trend of declining water levels across multiple water bodies, which could be indicative of broader hydrological issues, including potentially lower inflows or changes in regional water management practices.

Upon cross-referencing the data with multiple sources, it is apparent that Wisconsin's reservoirs are not isolated in their conditions. While the articles provided ('Wisconsin Watch' and 'Al Arabiya English') discuss challenges in water management and reservoir levels in different contexts, they highlight the global complexities of managing water bodies. The abnormal conditions observed in Wisconsin, such as lower gage heights during a time of year when levels are usually higher due to snowpack melting and spring rains, may be related to several factors, including below-average precipitation or snowpack, or increased water usage. The current lower levels could impact local ecosystems, recreational activities, and water supply management. It is crucial for stakeholders to monitor these trends closely and consider adaptive water resource management strategies to address potential shortages or ecological concerns.

Wisconsin has multiple reservoirs and dams that play a crucial role in providing water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational activities. The major reservoirs and dams in the state include Lake Winnebago, Lake Wisconsin, Castle Rock Lake, and Petenwell Lake. These reservoirs are fed by several rivers and creeks, such as the Wisconsin River, Fox River, Rock River, and Black River. The hydrology in the area is influenced by the snowpack in the northern mountains, particularly during the spring and summer months when snowmelt contributes to the streamflow. In recent years, Wisconsin has experienced both record high and low water levels due to changing climate patterns and extreme weather events. In 2021, drought conditions in the state led to lower than average water levels in some reservoirs and creeks. However, seasonal trends also play a role in water levels, with typically higher levels in the spring and early summer months. Overall, reservoirs and dams remain an important component of the state's water infrastructure, and their management is critical in ensuring sustainable water use and management.

Wisconsin has multiple reservoirs and dams that play a crucial role in providing water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and recreational activities. The major reservoirs and dams in the state include Lake Winnebago, Lake Wisconsin, Castle Rock Lake, and Petenwell Lake. These reservoirs are fed by several rivers and creeks, such as the Wisconsin River, Fox River, Rock River, and Black River. The hydrology in the area is influenced by the snowpack in the northern mountains, particularly during the spring and summer months when snowmelt contributes to the streamflow.

In recent years, Wisconsin has experienced both record high and low water levels due to changing climate patterns and extreme weather events. In 2021, drought conditions in the state led to lower than average water levels in some reservoirs and creeks. However, seasonal trends also play a role in water levels, with typically higher levels in the spring and early summer months. Overall, reservoirs and dams remain an important component of the state's water infrastructure, and their management is critical in ensuring sustainable water use and management.